Abstract
To evaluate the influence of maxillary platform deformity on cleft lip nasal deformity, graphic software was used to analyze the CT volume data following cheiloplasty (mainly Millard method and Randall method) and rhinoplasty (alar cartilage suspension through IC incision) of 22 children with cleft lip and palate.
Using CT volume data on the mid-face region of each patient before secondary lip repair or alveolar bone graft, the following were measured on computer images, and the results were analyzed for statistical relationships:
(1) The ratio of both sides of the thickness of the soft tissue on the alar base, (2) the horizontal width of the alveolar cleft of the hard tissue, (3) the sagittal depth of the alveolar cleft of the hard tissue, (4) the ratio of both sides of the horizontal distances from the facial midline to the most lateral portion of the alar groove, and (5) the ratio of both sides of the horizontal distances from the facial midline to the edge of the piriform aperture.
Quantitative analysis revealed that there were significant positive relationships between (1) and (3), (2) and (3), and (4) and (5) in the cleft lip group. There was also a significant positive relationship between (4) and (5) in the cleft lip and palate group. These findings suggest that restoration of symmetrical alveolar form and the piriform aperture adjacent to the cleft portion are highly desirable before correction of cleft lip nasal deformities is performed.
